NEWS of the WEEK
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HOW IMPRESSMENT AFFECTS HIRE-PURCHASE.
CONSLDERABLE dissatisfaction is being aroused amongst operators who have taken over vehicles under hire-pUrchase and have had them. im pressed. The Government compensates the owner, and he, in turn, pays off the sum due under the hire-purchase agreement. The complaint, however, lies in the rebate allowed by the hirepurchase companies. In many cases, what appears to be a grossly inadequate amount of rebate is allowed. In other words, operators are paying on a capital value which is no longer at their service. We suggest a fun investigation into the circumstances of these cases.
The Use of Paraffin and Oil Fuel.
CONFIRMING advice which we have published concerning the use of paraffin and other low-tax fuels on commercial vehicles, the Commissioners of Customs and Excise have informed us that under the Revenue Law the position is as follows:— (i) Light hydrocarbon Oils (i.e., petrol) are liable to a duty of 9d. per gallon; (2) heavy hydrocarbon oils (i.e., of the kerosene or paraffin type) may not be used as fuel on road vehicles unless the full duty of 9d. per gallon be paid; (3) it is illegal to mix with light oils heavy hydrocarbon oils on which full duty has not, been paid, except under a licence granted by the Commissioners, and unless the difference in duty has first been paid in respect of the 'heavy oils.
The conditions concerning mixing are strict.' Twenty-four hours' notice of intended mixing must be given to the Officer of Customs and Excise in whose station the licensed premises are situated. The notice must set out date and hour of the mixing and the quantity and specific gravity of each oil.
The 9d. duty applies also to oils burned under the boiler of a steam wagon, but not to lubricating oils. It does not apply to agricultural tractors and appliances not used normally On the road, or to trench diggers and excavators used on roads only for proceeding to and from their places of employment, or to mowing machines and road rollers. It is not chargeable for engines tested on the bench, but must „, be paid where the engine is in a vehicle, even for testing inside a works or on private ground.
Records concerning vehicles using heavy oil must be kept and retained for at least a year.
Where such vehicles are let on hire or lent and where the oil is not supplied by the lender, the owners must keep vehicle records and furnish full particulars to the proper officer.
Solid-tyred Vehicles Reprieved.
THE coming into force of regulations restricting the use of solid-tyred vehicles, which was originally dated for January I, 1940, has been indefinitely postponed by the Minister of Transport.
POOL ESTABLISHED FOR MEAT TRANSPORT.
ALL light meat-carrying vehicles in the Metropolitan Area and all heavy types engaged in this work throughout the country have been formed into a transport pool with a central control, to operate under the directions of the Board of Trade. The pool is entitled " The Wholesale Meat and Provisions Transport (Defence) Association," and the address is at 4, Montpelier Road, Ealing, London, W.5.
No Priority for Munitions Transport._ THE Ministry of Supplies is not authorized to issue priority certificates for vehicles employed for the transport of munitions, etc., and can do no more than confirm that an operator is engaged in such transport.
Warning to Farmer " Hauliers."
THE National Farmers' Union refers to complaints made by hauliers that farmers owning motor lorries operated under the agricultural preferential rate of duty are using these vehicles to convey for hire or reward. Such action is illegal, and farmers in their own interests should refrain from this practice. Any infringement may imperil the cheaper duty and supplies of petrol.
Agricultural produce or requisites for other farmers may be carried occasionally, but not for payment, and provided the goods so carried form only part of the load.
That Extra Fuel or Beet Hauliers.
FUTURE applications for supplementary fuel rations for the haulage of sugar beet to the factories at Poppleton and Selby must be supported not only by the Eritish• Sugar Corporation permits for the forthcoming week, but also by the factory weighbridge tickets for the past week, says an announcement by the Transport Commissioner for the North-East Region (Major F. S. Eastwood).
The Commissioner asks that farmers should have their beet stacked ready for collection on a convenient road, and that road operators should, as often as possible, " back-load " with pulp to farms in their collecting area.
Call for Fortnightly Ration System.
I T does not appear practicable to change the weekly basis of fuel rationing for commercial vehicles, the C.M.U.A. is informed by the Minister of Transport. It is recognized, however, that when experience has been gained with the present arrangements, it may be found desirable to make adjustments. The possibility of the adoption of a fortnightly basis for rationing is not ruled out. The Association has made further representatkons, urging that this basis should be adapted immediately, and that a monthly system should be introduced at the earliest possible date. MR. T. E. THOMAS INDUCTED AS I. OF T. PRESIDENT.
A T the first meeting of the winter ses.rision of the Institute of Transport, held on October 9 at the Charing Cross Hotel, Mr. T. E. Thomas, of London Transport, was inducted as president of the Institute by the retiring president, Mr. Gilbert S. Szlumper, C.B.E. Mr. Szlumper, introducing Mi. Thomas, said that he would bring to bear on this honourable position a very wide store of knowledge, which would be introduced in a most agreeable manner. He wished him a peaceful end tohis year of office and a plethora of papers.
The new president, then, on behalf of the Institute, made a presentation to Mr. Szlumper, after which he read his address, points in which will be given in our next issue, Thanks to the retiring president and Mr. Thomas were given by Mr. S. E. Garcke, who referred to the good fortune of the Institute in having as its past and new presidents men possessing great knowledge and a sense of humour. FILM CARRIERS AIM AT CO. ORDINATION.
E'ILM-TRANSPORT contractors are being compelled by war conditions to reorganize and co-ordinate their services. Film renters carrying stocks of films in evacuation areas are arranging for transfer to, and storage in, safe areas. Manchester film stocks, for instance, will be kept in a suitably equipped depot on the outskirts of Heywood (seven miles away).
Meetings have been held of Manchester renters' branch managers and film-transport contractors, who have been urged (in view of petrol rationing and the necessity of rearranging journeys arising from the setting-up of an outside film dump) to co-ordinate their activities so far as possible, Film carriers are now inviting cinematograph exhibitors who have experienced difficulty in obtaining films, to supply them with detailed information. The object is to prove to the authorities that it is essential they should be allowed sufficient petrol to provide the delivery service needed. • PETROL RATIONING HITS HIGHLAND TRADESMEN.
FOLLOWING the introduction of petrol rationing, tradesmen in the more remote parts of the Western Highlands of Scotland and Western Islands are considering schemes for the joint purchase of large vans which could be transformed into travelling shops. There would be great hardship, during the winter months, when supplies to people living in the more remote areas would have to be transported by packhorses or on foot.
Shopkeepers are sending a petition to the Scottish petrol-control authorities, pointing out that the rationing scheme had been drawn up without any special regard to the scattered districts in the Western Highlands.
Lanark Road Scheme to Go Ahead.
THE scheme for the reconstruction of the road between Glasgow and Carlisle, which is estimated to cost well over £1,000,000, is to be suspended. The Ministry of Transport, however, has informed Lanarkshire Road Board that it will be permitted to proceed meanwhile with that part of the scheme between Newfield Inn and Lesmahagow, which is estimated to cost £120,500,
Gohin.Poulenc Producer for Demonstration.
AN Austin 2-tanner has been equipped by The Car Mart,' Ltd., Stanhope House, 320-324, • Euston Road, London, N.W.1, with a trItinPoulenc suction-gas producer, which is Manufactured in this country by British Gazogenes, Ltd., 48, Broadway, London, S.W.1. This vehicle will be available for inspection and demonstration at the above address. The system employed has already been well tried out.
Wallasey's Helping Hand for Gas Users.
WE learn that Wallasey Corporation, which has been identified for years with efforts in connection with gas as an alternative fuel, is to spend £3,500 in developing the facilities provided by its as committee for motor users. The plant is already supplying numerous lorries.
Bags as containers are not deemed necessary, in view of the compactness and practical convenience of cylinders. Among recent customers is one which uses a 3-ton lorry for daily journeys between Merseyside and Manchester, doing the out-and-return journey on one charge of gas.
American Tractor Exports Decline.
SO far, this year, there has been a marked falling-off in the overseas demand for American tractors. The following information gives the details of the exports from the United States, during the six months ended June last, compared with the corresponding half of 1938:—
In the 1938 period, $89 wheeled tractors (14 belt h.p. and under), valued at £100,681. were exported, in the 1939 period the corresponding figures were 1,629 and £147,138. The 1938 and 1939 figures respectively for 15 b.h.p. to 32 b.h.p. tractors were:-11,516 (£1,630,751) and 10,763 (£1,389,290); those for 33 b.h.p. tractors and over were:-5,092 (£1,006,051), and 2,714 (£503,775). For track-laying tractors the figures were:-4,993 (£2,827,871) and 4,356 (£1,926,682) , The total values for the 1938 and the 1939 periods respectively were:—£6,558,325 and £4,995,233.
New " C.M." Index Ready,
AN index for Volume 69 of The Commercial Motor, covering the issues from February 10 to August 4, 1939, is now available from the offices of this journal, price 6d.
Death of Mr. P. G. A. Smith.
W/E much regret to learn of the recent VV death of Mr. P. G. A. Smith, advertising manager of the AngloAmerican Oil Co., Ltd. This followed many months of illness. Mr. Smith was a most likeable personality and had a host of friends in the industry. RUSSIA TO BUILD PRODUCER-GAS LORRIES?
TWO experimental producer-gas lorries have run. from the Rostovon-Don (near the north-eastern point of the Sea of Azov) to Moscow, a distance of about 780 miles, and the vehicles are said to have arrived in splendid condition, aceording to a Reuter message from Moscow. As the journey took 85 running hours, the average speed was something over 9 m.p.h., but on some parts of the route a speed of 15 to 18 m.p.h. was reached. The lorries were fitted with gas generators burning anthracite. They will undergo further tests at Moscow, after which the question of serial production will be decided.
" Useful Names for Users." ()WING to demands on our space, 14.-lour classified list of Useful Names for Users is withheld from this issue. Those who wish to refer to this compilation should turn to the issue for last week, in which it was published. The list will continue to be published at intervals.
FUEL RATIONING AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES.
I T is understood, reports the Electric Vehicle Association of Great Britain, Ltd., that the interpretation put by the Ministry of Mines upon the Fuel and Lighting Order as regards the use of electricity for battery-electric vehicles, is that the current is not used on the premises where the vehicles are charged, but is stored by the batteries on those premises, and is actually used on the roads, It follows, therefore, that such vehicles do not come within the scope of the Fuel and Lighting Order and are not subject to rationing.
In view of this interpretation, there is no need to approach the local fuel overseer with a request to increase the basic quantity, but the Association thinks it might be as well to notify him of the proportion of the basic ration which is used for electric vehicles, as this would avoid any possible difficulties at the end of the period, when it is found that the basic quantity has not been cut down by 25 per cent.
An 80 m.p.g. 5-cwt. Van.
PETROL rationing, it is anticipated, will stimulate interest in the economical Rytecraft Scoota-Truck, made by the British Motor Boat Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Ampton Street, London, W.C.1. An example of one of these machines is seen in an accompanying illustration. It is claimed to be capable of covering 80 miles per gallon.
In addition to the utility of the Scoota-Truck, its unusual appearance and relatively diminutive size lend it a high publicity value, Suitable • for 5-cwt. loads and capable of 45 m.p.h., it is well adapted for delivery work and is certainly a serviceable proposition. A variety of body types is available.
Death of Mr. Walter Holdsworth.
A NOTHER well-known man in the 1-1-industry has passed away in the person of Mr. Walter Holdsworth, who died on October 7 following an operation. Mr. Holdsworth was controller of spring service depots for J. Brockhouse and Co., Ltd„ these comprising the subsidiary concerns Messrs. James Leach, Richard Berry and SOD,
and the Brockhouse Spring Service Co.
Mr. Holdsworth, who was 47, was for many years manager of Messrs. James Leach, was fortnerly chairman of the North-Eastern Division of the C.M.U.A., and was Chief Staff Officer for Transport M the Leeds Auxiliary Fire Service. For many years he had been District Officer in the St. John Ambulance Brigade.
Prices for " Step-It" Freezing. .
DtiE to rises in prices of raw materials, particularly glycerine, which is controlled by the Government, the following minimum prices have been fixed for " stop-It " Freezing, the product of the County Chemical Co., Ltd., Bradford Street, Birmingham:—Pint, 55.; quart, Ss.; half-gallon, 14s. 6d.; gallon, 25s. 6d.
Personal Pars.
MR. A. S. C. CMATTEY, general sales manager of the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., has recently entered hospital for an operation. We are pleased to learn that his illness is not regarded as serious and that he expects to be in harness again in about three weeks, Meanwhile, his address for those Who would like to write him is: St. David's Wing for Private Patients, Royal Northern Hospital, Holloway Road, London, N.7 MR. BENJAMIN ENGLAND, the new manager of the passenger transport department of Nottingham Corporation, took over his new duties a few days ago. He became actively associated with public transport in 1918 and, after having had experience with certain bus-operating companies, became general manager and engineer of the transport department of St. Helens Corporation. He held similar posts at Southend and Leicester. MANCHESTER TO DISCUSS WAGES POSITION.
lk AEMBERS of the North-Western IY1 Road Haulage Area Wages Board are to give an explanation of the Central Board proposals on Sunday, October 15, at the Memorial Hall, Albert Square, Manchester. The meeting, which will commence at 2.30 p.m., will be held under the auspices of the C.M.U.A.. and A.R.O., but non-members who may be affected by Orders under the Act are invited to be prese.nt.
Luminous Signs for Vehicles.
COR the purpose of indicating 1 the presence of unlighted vehicles in darkened garages, loading wsys or parking places, a special luminous disc has been introduced by C. Rqhinson and Co., 32, West Parade, Halifax. Each disc is provided with a strong metal support for fixing, whilst the plate itself has a waterproof finish. Two sizes are being manufactured, 3i ins. and 4i ins., the respective prices being 2s. 6d. and 3s. 6d.
More Changes of Address.
'THE following is a further list of 1 changes of address which have taken place owing to the war:— The Commercial Motor. Users Association (London and Hems Counties 'Division), 50, Pall Mall, London, &W.1. {Telephone: Whitehall • Balla,st, Sand and Allied Trades Association, 2, Wellesley Road, Twickenham, Middlesex. (Telephone: Popesgrove 17.91.)
8a,ie, Taney. and Co., UAL, 255, King's Avenue, Clapham Park, London, S.W.12. (Telephone: 'Pu)se 11111 4028-1
Philips Lamps, Ltd. Clevemede, Cleve Read, Caring, Reading. [Telephone: Reading283.) Avon India Rubber Co., Ltd. (Advertising DepartMent), Melksham, E. G. Acheson, Led., Prince Rock, Plymouth. (Telephone: Plymouth 5593,)
Sterncl, Ltd., Grey Timbers Westorham Road, Limpsfield, Oxted, Surrey. (Telephone: Limps. fieldChart 49.1 Valor Co.,Ltd. (London Office), Bromiord, Erdington, Birmingham, 14.
Westinghouse Miyake and Signal Co., Ltd. (Head Offic,e). Pew Hill Koine, Chippenharm Wilts. {Telephone: Chippenham 22551 The Society of"Engineers. clo Mr. B. B. Tarring, O.B.E., P.8.2. honorary secretary, 56, Church Street, Weihridge, Surrey. (Telephone: Weibridge 376.)
BURNLEY RATES RISE.
AMINIMUM increase of 10 per cent. in road-transport rates in the districts of Burnley, Nelson, CoInc and Padiham, is announced by Burnley and District Road Transport Association. It is pointed out that the advance covers only the actual increased costs up to date. There are certain exceptions to the increase, such as cottonmill work (including empties) and daywork rates.
Ford Films for the Troops.
THE resources of the Ford Film Library have been placed at the disposal of various organizations arrang
ing entertainments for soldiers. The library contains over 100 films, many of a semi-humorous and general-interest type, and they can be chosen to form a complete programme or to supplement a general programme.
Literpool Association to Include C Licences.
THE Liverpool Cart and Motor Owners' Association has extended its membership qualification to include C-licence • holders. This decision was reached in consequence of the suspension of the usual conditions governing A, B, and C-licensed vehicles.
HITLER'S" 40 SLOW " ORDER.
I T is stated that Hitler has ordered a further redaction in the. German speed limit, the new limit in towns being 40 kiloms. an hour (about 25 m.p.h.). Outside towns and on the Autobahnen it is 80 k.p.h. (50 m.p.h.) for cars and 60 k.p.h. (37 m.p.h.) for lorries and buses.
Lecture on Alternative Fuels.
1-IN Tuesday next, at 2.30 p.m., at la the Guilford Hotel, Headrow, Leeds, Major W. H. Goddard is giving a lecture dealing with alternative fuels for road-transport vehicles.